The ECOWAS Parliament has kick-started its Second Ordinary Session for the year 2023, advocating for enhanced regional solidarity and self-reliance to combat the prevalent issues facing West Africa.
The plenary session will delve into crucial matters concerning the regional economy, democracy, and security.
In his opening address, the Speaker of ECOWAS Parliament, Dr. Sidie Tunis, underscored the significance of regional unity and collaboration in addressing the region’s challenges. He stressed the importance of robust democratic institutions, human rights adherence, and the rule of law in ensuring security and development.
Dr. Tunis expressed optimism about the region’s trajectory despite its numerous challenges. He cited the recent successful Presidential and Legislative elections in the Republic of Liberia as a positive indicator of progress.
“The people of Liberia have shown us that democracy is possible in our region; we can all draw inspiration from their example,” Dr. Tunis remarked.
Furthermore, Dr. Tunis lauded the commitment to democracy exhibited by the people of Liberia following the successful elections, while extending warm congratulations to Ambassador Joseph Nyumah Boakai on his election as President and commending the incumbent President George Manneh Weah for respecting the people’s choice.
Expressing concern about the political situation in Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Niger, Dr. Tunis urged for more concerted efforts to address the issues. He emphasized the need for ECOWAS to develop a new and ambitious mechanism for handling regional challenges and underlined the shared responsibility of member states in ensuring the region’s prosperity and security.
Dr. Tunis also called for greater self-reliance from ECOWAS member States, emphasizing the necessity for each member to take on more responsibility for the development and advancement of the region.
Additionally, he praised the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government for its leadership in upholding peace and security in the West African region.
In his address, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, called for tangible actions to safeguard democracy and restore the region as the bastion of democracy in Africa. He voiced concerns over the recent coups in Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Guinea, highlighting the potential threat to democracy in the region.
Dr. Touray emphasized the engagement in dialogue with Member States in transition, such as Burkina Faso, Mali, and Guinea, to support their return to normal constitutional order through the organization of free, transparent, and inclusive elections. He also emphasized the need for dialogue and negotiation to address the crisis in the Republic of Niger, and reiterated ongoing efforts to support Mali and Burkina Faso in tackling threats to their territorial integrity posed by armed groups and terrorists.
The President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, Justice Edward Amoako Asante, raised concerns about the increasing military interventions in politics in West Africa, citing their adverse impact on democracy and regional stability.
He appealed to the ECOWAS Parliament to take the lead in addressing this issue and advocated for reforms to enhance democratic systems in the region, while encouraging collaboration with national parliaments to ensure the effective enforcement of decisions and bolster respect for human rights and community law.
The Deputy Senate President of the Nigerian Senate, Jibril Barau, represented President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria at the Second Ordinary Session. The session is anticipated to facilitate comprehensive discussions and initiatives aimed at strengthening ECOWAS integration and development.
By Hauwa M.
